Tyre Testing

Torsten: We went out to test some knobbies for the areas that will be short on tarmac this weekend. One concern we have though is that the profile of the tyres are so much lower than standard 3.50 rubber which makes for a pretty hard ride.

They did perform OK, in fact while sliding around with great confidence, I found myself getting a bit too cocky and managed to lose the front on a turn. The only thing damaged was my pride (and a small scrape to the side of the left cowl). Still this won't be the last 'off we'll have, especially up North. The knobbies will be great in the sand, but I think we need to find something more suitable for gravel.

Reading tyre reviews online pointed me towards Continental Navigators, an all weather tyre designed for wet and slippery surfaces. Some of the reviews tested the tyres on gravel and stated that they performed well. I called a few places, but they weren't much help so I thought I'd go straight to the distributor. They made it very clear that they didn't bring them in and had no interested in doing so, so it looks like I might have to source something from overseas. A pity as they seem like they would be a fantastic alround tyre, especially in the wetter parts of Oz down south, and even up here in Queensland in Summer for the stormy season.

We finally announced the trip on Scooter Messageboards we frequent, and the response has been nothing short of fantastic. Offers to stay, offers for help, offers for donations. Paul Mac from the Melbourne Scooter Connection has even offered to help organise a charity ride for when we leave Melbourne! I am frequently amazed by how supportive and giving the Australian Scooter community is.